Reading alters the appearance of a book. Once it has been read, it never looks the same again, and people leave their individual imprint on a book they have read. One of the pleasures of reading is seeing this alteration on the pages, and the way, by reading it, you have made the book yours.
Paul Theroux
The Old Patagonian Express
I don’t get to travel often, and when I do I try to bring a book that will be appropriate to the journey. So I felt fortunate on a recent trip to Mexico to have a copy of Paul Theroux’s The Old Patagonian Express. In 1978, Theroux traveled almost entirely by rail from Boston to the town of Esqual in Patagonia. Theroux was far more adventurous than me, but his experiences and observations were a brilliant source of comfort and inspiration during this time.
While on the road, I was heartbroken to learn of Roger Corman’s death. I don’t have the insight or historic context to add anything useful to the many tributes written about Corman in recent days. The best tribute will be to go watch some of Corman’s movies – a number of them are available on multiple streaming services. His filmography is too vast to even know where to begin, so pick anything (I’m watching Machine Gun Kelly (1958) this weekend). Then look up the astonishing list of 20th century filmmakers who were hired, helped, or mentored by Corman, and watch their films. That’s the best way to understand Corman’s considerable impact on late 20th century culture.
The Creative Life Adventure 
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